VRCA

OUR ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA) began operations on 1 April 2004. VRCA manages the commercial navigation of the channels in Geelong and Hastings port waters and oversee the channel management for the Port of Portland. The Authority was established by the Victorian Government under the Port Management Act 1995 and the Transport Integration Act 2010.

VRCA's key responsibilities include:

Management of shipping control

Provision of navigation aids

Channel management

Marine environment protection

Safety and security

VRCA to manage harbour control and safe navigation at Port of Hastings from July 1

Victorian Regional Channels Authority will resume direct control of shipping channel management and vessel movement in Victoria’s Port of Hastings from Saturday, July 1.

VRCA chief executive officer Michael Harvey said it would be “business as usual” at the port, which attracts about 100 commercial vessels a year.

“We’re delighted to take over direct management of all shipping operations at Hastings and we are committed to ensuring safe navigation for all vessels – from big tankers to small recreational boats – using port waters,” Mr Harvey said.

“The Port of Hastings plays an important role in the state’s economy and we are also keen to facilitate increased trade for the port to ensure future prosperity.”

VRCA has subcontracted the management of the Hastings shipping channels for many years, with LINX Cargo Care in the role since last year. The role includes marine control and provision and maintenance of the channels and navigational aids.

BlueScope Steel, United Petroleum and Esso Australia are the port’s major commercial users. The port is situated on the north-western reaches of Westernport Bay in close proximity to Melbourne’s rapidly-developing eastern corridor.

Mr Harvey said VRCA and Harbour Master Shane Vedamuttu would deliver a seamless transition for the shipping industry at the regional port.

``We will work closely with the Port of Hastings Development Authority, which manages the port’s shore-based activities, to ensure all regulatory requirements are effectively co-ordinated,’’ he said.

``This port is not just important from a trade point of view – it is also an important community asset too. We are keen to work with all stakeholders – port users and the community – so that safety remains paramount for commercial and recreational vessels on port waters.’’